A Take on Theme

A take on theme: Hills Like White Elephants

Jaymes Spiekerman

ENG 125 – Introduction to Literature

Professor Duvan Arsola

October 1, 2012

A take on theme: Hills like White Elephants

The theme of the story as described in the Journey into Literature is described as, “a representation of the idea of a story” (Clugston, 2010), which is to say a compilation of things like, tone, setting, characters, point of view, and plot that lead to describing a specific idea or similar types of ideas. Short stories give a great insight into theme in a quick, often easy to read, format. The 1937 short story by Earnest Hemmingway, “Hills Like White Elephants,” is a piece of literature that requires us to use literary elements to uncover theme. Hills Like Elephants theme of uncertain future can be described with symbolism and setting.

The story of Hills Like Elephants begins at a train station where Jig (the woman) and the American (the man) are sitting at a table under the shade. As the two are talking, we get a sense that there is some tension between the two. Reading through, we can uncover the theme of an uncertain future with elements of their setting. A railroad station with railroad tracks represents to us that Jig and the American are on the same path, but are on two separate tracks that never cross. The setting can also give an understanding of what the theme of the story can be. The train station’s arid scenery contrasts with the distant green, vibrant landscape. The setting can also be a form of symbolism.

Symbolism is as equally important in conveying theme to an audience. A symbol is described as, “something that has a literal identity, but also stands for something else” (Clugston, 2010). There are several symbols in this piece give clear understanding of the theme of an uncertain future. The white elephants that are a symbolization of the baby that Jig is carrying and the central part of the discussion between her and the American. The...